Indoor Vs Outdoor: Which Wedding Venue Is the Best?
When deciding whether to have an indoor or outdoor wedding, control is the most important factor. With an indoor event space, you have more control over your surroundings. If you want to spend a lot of money on décor, you don't have to worry about it blowing over or melting because the room is always climate-controlled and weather-proof. You'll also find bathrooms, a kitchen, and electrical outlets built in. As a bonus, you won't have to swat away bugs or deal with hair sticking to your lip gloss all night. Trying to book an indoor reception space will provide significant peace of mind for those who are Type-A personalities or control freaks.
Indoor event venues simply can't compete with Mother Nature's splendor and beauty. Whether you're getting married in a redwood forest or a lush garden, the great outdoors will provide an incredible backdrop for your wedding photos to take your vision to the next level.
Outdoor wedding receptions carry inherent risks, but for adventurous couples who want to get married in the great outdoors, there is no substitute for an outdoor ceremony. As an added bonus, if the elements do deliver something unexpected, you'll have some great stories to tell. Weddings can go off without a hitch as long as you have a well-thought-out contingency plan in place.
If you're still undecided about whether to have your wedding indoors or outdoors, here is a list of things to keep in mind before choosing wedding venues:
Considerations for Indoor Reception:
Gaining more control over previously uncontrollable factors - An indoor space, as previously stated, allows you to enjoy a stress-free experience without having to worry about the effects of wind, sun, or rain. Plan B is a thing of the past when you have an indoor reception.
There are fewer logistics to deal with - As long as you're getting married in an indoor arena, you can relax knowing that there are restrooms, built-in power outlets, and kitchen facilities available. Parking and wheelchair access are usually available at most indoor venues.
Only a few vantage points —and not much room! Forget about getting a glimpse of nature except if your indoor venue has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto a picturesque landscape. In addition, if you're planning a wedding with more than 400 guests, you may struggle to find a suitable indoor location.
Decor restrictions may apply - As tempting as it may be to decorate your wedding venue to the nines, it is important to inquire about any restrictions. When it comes to decorating the barn you rented, you might not be hung anything from the rafters, for example. Flickering motives may be beautiful, but many venues don't want to deal with the fire hazard that comes along with them. Have a discussion with the manager of the venue about your wedding's vision, and make sure you read your contract carefully so there are no unpleasant surprises when it comes to your décor.
Visually appealing food and desserts throughout the event - Not only will you be more comfortable, but the food and confections will be kept fresh and warm, as well as protected from the elements. That frozen yoghurt bar and buttercream are ready to go for your charcuterie grazing table, so go ahead and set them up.
Artificial lighting - Artificial lighting may be used heavily (or entirely!) in dim or dark indoor venues, so make sure your photographer is adept at capturing stunning images in those settings. You can do this by asking to see a wedding they've shot at a location similar to your own.
Outdoor Reception Consideration:
The guest of honor is Mother Nature. When it comes to an outdoor wedding and choosing outdoor wedding venue, Mother Nature is always the star—and she's not always in the best of spirits! There is a chance of rain, strong winds that could wreak havoc with your hairdo, or heat and humidity that will make you sweat for your wedding. Wedding favors should include pashminas or parasols to keep your guests warm and protected from the weather!
Make sure you have a backup plan in case of bad weather! When planning your wedding, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast, give your guests any travel and wardrobe advice they may need, and always have a backup plan in place. Plan B isn't always free, so keep that in mind. That "just in case" event space may cost a lot of money to reserve. And while a tented reception is always a hit, the canopies can get pricey! You might want to rethink your outdoor party if your contingency plan is going to break the bank.
Inquire about permits and regulations. The following topics are important to know if you're planning an outdoor wedding reception. Having a wedding in a national park or on a public beach does not always require a permit. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as for large groups or when you need to reserve an area for an extended period of time. Even the size of tents or canopies will have to be taken into consideration when it comes to local noise ordinances.
It's a breeze to keep things simple in your home! To decorate a beach, redwood forest, or flower-filled garden event, you'll need very little effort and very little money—which means you'll save money and time in the long run. Beauty comes from within! Although you'll have to be careful with the improvements you choose to use. Your tall centerpieces may be vulnerable to being knocked over by strong winds, for example.
If you are looking for wedding venues in Oklahoma, contact The Plantation at the Coal Creek and make your wedding a grand success.
